Owl's death sparks calls to address bird strikes

• The number of such deaths each year can range from 621 million to 2 billion, according to a study published this month in The Wilson Journal of Ornithology.
• The researchers note that 50% of bird–window collisions don't leave any evidence of a strike and as many as 70% of "stunned victims" likely succumb from a collision.

State of play: In the wake of Flaco's death, New York lawmakers renewed a push for legislation protecting birds.

• The "Bird Safe Building Act," which has been renamed "FLACO Act," would require all new or altered state buildings to use designs and materials that reduce such collisions.
• The measure introduced last year would have to pass through the state Senate before garnering the signature of the governor to become law.

Between the lines: Buildings are particularly dangerous for migratory birds, as most of them fly by night and are often attracted to artificial light, like office buildings that leave the lights on.

• Cities across the U.S. have launched campaigns to keep lights low during migratory seasons to reduce bird deaths.
• Buildings with many windows are also dangerous as those at less than 100 feet from the ground may reflect vegetation, which makes birds think they're flying toward a tree or the sky, the New York Times reports.

Flashback: Flaco went missing from the Central Park Zoo after his exhibit was vandalized in February last year, per the Wildlife Conservation Society.

• The owl was frequently spotted across Manhattan and zoo staff monitored him throughout the year.

What they're saying: "The vandal who damaged Flaco's exhibit jeopardized the safety of the bird and is ultimately responsible for his death," Central Park Zoo said in a statement Saturday.

• "We are still hopeful that the NYPD, which is investigating the vandalism, will ultimately make an arrest."

Go deeper: Better buildings for the birds